Rochester Secondary College exists to provide quality learning for all in a challenging and nurturing environment.

Rochester Secondary College is a coeducational 7 - 12 secondary college of around 516 pupils situated 180km north of Melbourne and provides for the educational needs of a mixture of rural and semi-rural communities which includes the township of Rochester and surrounding districts. The college is set in attractive grounds and boasts excellent facilities to deliver a comprehensive curriculum.

Rochester Secondary College is an integral part of the total community. The school encourages community support and has a close relationship with its community. Parents and community members are actively involved in the college and are represented on college council. The Parents Club provides a focus for parent participation in college support matters.

The College Council, parents, teachers and students are committed to improving the learning experiences of every student at the college in a safe and caring environment. In pursuit of this the college provides a structure of well-understood processes to promote positive student behaviour.

The Rochester Secondary College curriculum refers to all the learning and social experiences, whether planned or informal, provided by the college. The educational program focuses on improving learning outcomes for students and provides for the development of each student, encouraging and fostering intellectual, physical and social skills.

All students share common curriculum experiences in years 7 and 8. The eight learning areas form the basis of the curriculum at these levels. In Year 9 and 10 students undertake a system of core and elective units. Mathematics and English form the core at both levels whilst Health Education and Career Education are compulsory studies at Year 10. Elective units are selected from each of the learning areas. The wide range of electives offered as part of the Middle School Program provides an excellent preparation for studies offered in VCE.

Students are offered a comprehensive range of pursuits that compliment classroom programs. These include Year 6 Induction / Orientation program, sports, camps and excursions, school production, pre-driver education, local and city based work experience, Year 12 tertiary orientation program, public speaking and debating.

Extensive recreation and sporting facilities include ovals (football, cricket, team games) and tennis / netball / basketball courts. The college is close to other recreational facilities including the town swimming pool, squash courts, golf courses, table tennis facilities, river reserve facility and hockey ground. The college utilises a community / sporting centre which is situated on site. The addition of a weights gymnasium in 2001 has complement the existing Health/Physical Education program at the college.

Emphasis for the period of the Charter has been placed on Primary to Secondary School transition, a further strong focus on the classroom, the development of Learning Technology facilities and programs and related staff professional development. In 2001 the college will complete a Triennial Review and also embark on a buildings program to replace the existing Technology facilities.